Abstract:
This study addresses the pervasive challenges of low hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) testing rates coupled with the stigma associated with these diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with a special focus on Bangladesh. This study aims to introduce an innovative crowdsourcing intervention that involves medical students, a crucial cohort with the potential to shape healthcare attitudes. Through a structured crowdsourcing approach, the study designs and implements a digital intervention to counter stigma and promote testing among medical students in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Participants submitted brief videos or texts aiming to encourage hepatitis testing and reduce stigma. The call, advertised through meetings, emails, and social media, welcomed entries in English or Bengali over 3 weeks. A panel of six judges evaluated each entry based on clarity, impact potential, innovation, feasibility, and sustainability, awarding prizes to students behind the highest-rated submissions. Seventeen videos and four text messages received an average score of 5.5 among 440 surveyed medical students, predominantly 22 years old (16%) and in their fourth year (21%). After viewing, 360 students underwent screening, identifying two previously undiagnosed HBV cases referred for care; no HCV infections were found. Notably, 41% expressed concerns about individuals with HBV working in hospitals or having a doctor living with HBV. In conclusion, this pilot showcases the power of medical students in spearheading campaigns to counter hepatitis stigma and encourage testing. By utilizing crowdsourcing, the study introduces an innovative approach to a persistent issue in LMICs specially in Bangladesh, offering a model that could potentially be adapted by other regions grappling with similar challenges.
摘要:
这项研究解决了低乙型肝炎(HBV)和丙型肝炎(HCV)检测率的普遍挑战,再加上与这些疾病相关的污名在低收入和中等收入国家(LMICs),特别关注孟加拉国。这项研究旨在引入一种创新的众包干预措施,涉及医学生,一个有可能塑造医疗保健态度的关键队列。通过结构化的众包方法,该研究设计并实施了一种数字干预措施,以消除耻辱并促进达卡医学生的测试,孟加拉国。参与者提交了简短的视频或文字,旨在鼓励肝炎检测并减少污名。电话,通过会议做广告,电子邮件,和社交媒体,欢迎在英语或孟加拉语超过3周的条目。由六名法官组成的小组根据清晰度评估了每个条目,潜在的影响,创新,可行性,和可持续性,向最高等级的提交作品背后的学生颁发奖品。在接受调查的440名医学生中,17个视频和4条短信的平均得分为5.5,主要是22岁(16%)和第四年(21%)。查看后,360名学生接受了筛查,确定两个以前未诊断的HBV病例转诊治疗;没有发现HCV感染。值得注意的是,41%的人表示担心与乙肝病毒在医院工作或有与乙肝病毒生活的医生。总之,该试点展示了医科学生在带头对抗肝炎污名和鼓励检测的运动中的力量。通过利用众包,这项研究为低收入国家的一个持续存在的问题引入了一种创新的方法,特别是在孟加拉国,提供一个模型,可能会被其他地区适应类似的挑战。